Fern's tearful goodbye

Final This Morning dedicated to emotional presenter

By Anonymous

Friday, July 17, 2009

The usually bubbly presenter, who was also celebrating her 52nd birthday, was given a star-studded send-off in a two hour show dedicated to her. Fern, who had not been given a script for her final show, looked stunning in a figure-hugging Herve Leger bandage dress, sparkly-gold tuxedo jacket and silver heels as she celebrated 10 years presenting the show.****** VIDEO: FERN AND PHIL CAN'T STOP LAUGHING ******

Fern leaves the This Morning studios

To kick off the show, Torchwood star John Barrowman sang You’re Just Too Good To Be True to the 52-year-old. Fern's former This Morning co-host John Leslie, then reduced her to tears as he played a song loosely-based on Frank Sinatra's classic My Way to her on the piano. “You lived a life that’s full and still got up early in the morning," he sang.

“But hey Fern, this is your last day, so let’s shout it out ... “Britain loves Fern’s way.” Sitting in front of a picture of Fern and himself, he said: “Cheers my love, all the best.****** VIDEO: FERN AND PHIL AND THE 'BEEF' INCIDENT ******

Holly Willoughby is replacing Fern

Fern sat on the sofa with her screen partner Phillip Schofield and her real life husband, TV chef Phil Vickery as her best bits were shown in video clips, including tributes from Johnny Vegas, Ricky Gervais and Paul O’Grady. A message read out from the Duchess of York praised the bubbly presenter's tough interviewing skills. It read: “You are the kindest, most special presenter I know and you always keep your integrity to the heart and soul of what you believe in and stand for.

Fern is now off on holiday with husband Phil Vickery

“I always remember to keep my wits about me when I know I’m going to be interviewed by you.****** VIDEO: FERN ANNOUNCES HER DEPARTURE FROM THIS MORNING ****** “You are no pushover. Thank you Fern for all your care, your golden heart and what you have given us all over the years. __BREAK6__ “I shall miss you, we shall all miss you. I hope in the future you and I can have a long lunch and a good old catch up.” Fern, who announced she would leave the hit show in March, will be replaced by Holly Willoughby. The 28-year-old said presenting the show was "the ultimate dream job." __BREAK7__ During the judging of a cocktail-making feature, Fern confessed she was "starting to feel a little worse for wear" as she helped herself to cocktails. She was due to be brought to the studios via helicopter, but it had been grounded by fog. Since announcing her departure, Fern has rejected rumours she quit the show after falling out with co-star Phillip Schofield. Speculation surrounding the pair said she had quit after a row over Phil receiving a bigger paycheck.